After 25 years in exile, former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier has returned to Haiti.

Nicknamed Baby Doc, Mr Duvalier, 59, has not set foot in his home land since 1981 when he was overthrown.

National television in Haiti says Mr Duvalier was greeted by supporters at the international airport in Port au Prince earlier today.

The purpose of his return is unknown at this stage, but rumours of a coup or possible political disruption are circulating.

Once the world's youngest head of state at 19, he was forced out in 1986 by a popular uprising and US pressure.

His unexpected return comes at a time when Haiti, still the poorest state in the western hemisphere, is facing political uncertainty following the November 28 presidential and legislative elections whose preliminary results have triggered fraud allegations and violent street protests.

The chaotic elections went ahead during a cholera epidemic in the country, which is still recovering from a devastating earthquake a year ago that killed more than 300,000 people.

The former ruler, who as a chubby playboy assumed power after the death of his father, the feared autocratic Francois 'Papa Doc' Duvalier, said he had returned to his homeland "because I know the people are suffering".

During his rule, Mr Duvalier had tried to improve Haiti's image after the rule of terror of his despotic father.

But he had also faced accusations of corruption, political repression and human rights abuses before fleeing the country.